Bill Kozek described features of the new Kenworth T700 when it was introduced at MATS.
Bill Kozek described features of the new Kenworth T700 when it was introduced at MATS.
Bill Kozek described features of the new Kenworth T700 when it was introduced at MATS.
Bill Kozek described features of the new Kenworth T700 when it was introduced at MATS.
Bill Kozek described features of the new Kenworth T700 when it was introduced at MATS.

Kenworth introduces new T700, other offerings

May 1, 2010
KENWORTH Truck Co took the wraps off its brand new highway truck the T700 during the 2010 Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. The company

KENWORTH Truck Co took the wraps off its brand new highway truck — the T700 — during the 2010 Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. The company also rolled out a variety of other offerings to enhance its vehicle lineup.

The new Kenworth T700, which will replace the company's T2000 highway tractor, is a high-roof aerodynamic longhaul tractor that offers eight feet in interior sleeper height — making it ideal for team operations, said Bill Kozek, Kenworth's general manager. “It also offers a 3% improvement in drag compared to our T660 highway tractor, which translates into a 1.5% gain in fuel efficiency.”

He added that the aerodynamic T700 has already received Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay program certification. “We welcome the EPA SmartWay recognition and certification of the Kenworth T700,” he said. “Kenworth continually pushes the development envelope to achieve enhanced fuel economy and reduced emissions and our latest efforts have produced the new T700, which has the lowest aerodynamic drag of any Kenworth truck in company history.”

The aerodynamic bumper and chassis fairings are made of a material that helps minimize fading and has improved impact resistance. Thermal Plastic Olefin (TPO) is UV stable in non-painted form, which allows Kenworth to offer the T700 bumper and fairings with painted and non-painted options.

The T700 provides best in class lighting down the road through standard Halogen projector headlamps and optional Xenon headlamps that respectively offer a 3-fold and 11-fold increase in bulb life compared to conventional sealed beams. LED turn signals are used.

The stylish grille, which carries the signature Kenworth family look, uses corrosion-resistant aluminum wire mesh and provides superior protection for cooling system components. The lightweight, durable and sloped aerodynamic hood consists of three pieces for easy repair and reduced downtime and cost. There is clear access to underhood components for quick and easy service and its ball-and-socket closing system ensures proper hood placement. To help maximize airflow, the aerodynamic high roof has flush-mounted LED marker lights and no exterior sunvisor.

The sleeper offers a soaring, eight-foot cathedral ceiling, which optimizes the work environment and provides more room to stretch out and relax. There's even room to sit upright in the upper bunk. The T700 sleeper includes a 42-inch liftable lower bunk, pull-out desk, full-length door-enclosed hanging closet, array of storage choices, wood grain accents, wall-to-wall carpet, and plentiful Xenon incandescent lighting. Among optional amenities are a drawer-style refrigerator, and an adjustable flat panel TV mount to secure and view up to a 16-inch screen.

Another feature is Kenworth's new “NavPlus” offering; a PC-based in-dash system that includes truck-specific navigation, vehicle data, hands-free phoning, audio controls, camera inputs, roadside assistance, and optional Internet access — a system that will be standard on T700 premium trim offerings and optional for all other trim levels. This in-dash PC-based system is available for all of Kenworth's Class 5 through 8 trucks.

T440 tractor

Kenworth's new T440 tractor also debuted at the truck show and is available with production scheduled to begin during the second quarter of this year. The T440 has a gross vehicle weight ranging from a heavy Class 7 vehicle at 33,000 pounds up to a light Class 8 at 68,000 pounds. The daycab configuration is standard, with the Extended Day Cab offered as an option.

Also standard is Paccar's PX-8 engine with ratings to 350 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque. Power options include the nine-liter Cummins ISL rated to 380 hp and 1,300 lb-ft of torque. The tractor is available with a range of manual and automatic transmissions.

The company is also now making available for order its new T440 natural gas truck for local and regional haul and vocational applications — equipped to operate either on compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG), a Cummins ISL G engine, and Allison transmission.

Jason Skoog, Kenworth director of marketing planning and research, announced Kenworth's 2010 engine lineup. Topping the list is the new 2010 PACCAR MX engine for Kenworth Class 8 trucks. The MX engine is available with a wide horsepower range of 380- to 485-hp and torque outputs up to 1,750 lb-ft.

Kenworth also has several 2010 Cummins engines in its lineup. The Cummins ISX15 engine, rated from 400- to 600-hp and 1,450 to 2,050 lb-ft of torque, is offered for the T660, T700, T800, W900 and C500. The Cummins ISL9 engine rated up to 380-hp and 1,300 lb-ft of torque is available for the Kenworth T440, T470 and W900S. The Cummins ISX11.9 will be available in the second half of 2010 in the T660, T800 and W900S models.

For Kenworth natural gas vehicles, engines include the Cummins Westport ISL G engine at 320-hp and 1,000 lb-ft of torque for the Kenworth T440 and W900S. The ISL G engine operates on either compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG). In addition, the T800 liquefied natural gas truck equipped with the Westport GX engine is rated at 450-hp and 1,650 lb-ft torque, and up to 1,750 lb-ft with the Cummins SmartTorque option.

Automated transmission

Kenworth has added Eaton's UltraShift PLUS automated transmission as an option for its Class 8 trucks. The transmission is available in 10- to 18-speed configurations with torque capabilities ranging from 1,450 to 2,050 lb-ft. The UltraShift PLUS transmission's electronic clutch actuation system allows for quick shifts and clutch engagement, regardless of engine RPM. The system automatically selects an appropriate start gear and adapts shift decisions based on the driving environment. It also provides better control of engine and transmission functions, providing smooth automated shifting and vehicle starts.

The truck builder now offers Bendix Wingman ACB — Active Cruise with Braking adaptive cruise control as an option on the T660, T700, and T800 Class 8 models. The Wingman ACB system helps drivers maintain a set following distance behind a vehicle aided by visual and audible “always-on” warnings, which are available whenever the truck is in motion. Upon engaging the cruise control, the system also then provides active interventions, including dethrottling, engaging the engine retarder, and applying the brakes to help maintain the set following distance. The system includes stationary object alerts that help drivers by providing warnings on metallic objects, such as stalled cars, in their lane of travel, which can be especially helpful in low visibility conditions such as night, fog or heavy rain, and snow.

Finally, the AG230 is the latest evolution in Kenworth's proprietary suspensions, is a non-torque reactive parallelogram suspension ideal for weight-sensitive fleets and truck operators who want a superior ride compared to that offered by traditional spring suspensions. The four-bag AG230 has a capacity of 23,000 pounds in a single axle configuration and is for on-highway and vocational applications. The fully disc-brake-compatible AG230 is available for the Kenworth T440, T470, T660, T700, T800 and W900 models.  ♦